Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars Need to Redeem the MCU’s Biggest Multiverse Mistake

Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars Need to Redeem the MCU’s Biggest Multiverse Mistake

As a die-hard Marvel fan who grew up watching these heroes come to life on the big screen, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about the upcoming films, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”.

Over the past year, the stories of “Avengers: Doomsday” and its sequel “Avengers: Secret Wars” have undergone significant shifts. The allegations and trial involving actor Jonathan Majors led Marvel Studios and Disney to part ways with the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, where he portrayed Kang the Conqueror – a key antagonist in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. Since then, Marvel has been working tirelessly to adapt to the absence of Kang, abandoning previous plans such as giving Majors a solo film titled “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel revealed that Robert Downey Jr. would be reprising his role in the MCU as Doctor Doom, with Avengers: Doomsday set to replace The Kang Dynasty. Now, it has been disclosed that Chris Evans will feature in Avengers: Doomsday too, fueling speculation that several original Avengers actors are being secured for the final installments of the Multiverse Saga.

In numerous aspects, it seems that “Avengers: Doomsday” is shaping up like most significant productions within the Multiverse Saga: a cinematic experience centered around grand crossover events and appearances by established characters or actors, often referred to as “event films.” However, for “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” to truly conclude the Multiverse Saga in a way that’s impactful and valuable, they should take note of the missteps of recent years to ensure a satisfying resolution.

Deadpool & Wolverine Did It Right

Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars Need to Redeem the MCU’s Biggest Multiverse Mistake

A common criticism of the MCU Multiverse Saga is that many cameos and crossovers are merely shallow marketing tactics, aimed at attracting a broader fanbase spanning various character series (such as The Marvels) or different periods of character franchises (like Spider-Man: No Way Home). Fans have voiced their concerns, accusing Marvel Studios of producing subpar content and presenting fragmented, unconnected storylines as significant “events.

As a follower, I’d say: I’ve noticed that Deadpool and Wolverine were unique cases. Marvel Studios gave Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy the freedom to create a self-aware reflection on the ups, downs, and dashed dreams of the Fox-Marvel franchise from the 2000s, as well as the trajectory of Hugh Jackman’s career and his iconic portrayal of Wolverine.

And it worked.

The action-packed duo of Deadpool and Wolverine raked in an impressive $1.34 billion at the box office, setting a record as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever made. As we speak, they are spearheading one of the more substantial awards season campaigns for a Marvel production – aiming for nominations at events such as the Golden Globes and Oscars for both Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds.

It’s crucial for Marvel to take a cue from the approach taken by Deadpool and Wolverine. Yes, the film was rich with appearances and nods to previous movies, comics, and various other elements. However, what truly set Deadpool and Wolverine apart was their ability to delve deeper, commenting on the Marvel movie legacy and those who shaped it over time. They managed to make even the critics of those early films appreciate their significance within superhero movie culture, acknowledging both the genuine efforts and the occasional imperfections of the casts and crews involved in those productions.

Doomsday & Secret Wars Need Camoes With Deeper Meaning

Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars Need to Redeem the MCU’s Biggest Multiverse Mistake

As a diehard cinema enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating “Avengers: Doomsday,” a film that promises to be a blockbuster hit by delving into the intriguing origin story of RDJ’s Doom in an alternate universe. This time around, Doom is aiming for Multiversal dominance, and I can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds. However, “Avengers: Secret Wars” must transcend being merely the largest gathering of actors from current and past Marvel movies (though that’s definitely on my wishlist). It needs to deliver a climactic, emotionally satisfying payoff for fans who have invested years in the MCU Multiverse Saga. The journey through the Saga has been filled with wild, unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to see how it all culminates in “Avengers: Secret Wars.

In essence: The upcoming film “Avengers: Secret Wars” should strike a balance between intelligence, emotional depth, and humor in its cameos, much like “Deadpool & Wolverine.” If Chris Evans reprises his role, the script should incorporate insights on Captain America’s iconic status and his departure from the franchise. Scarlett Johansson’s return as Black Widow needs to address her controversial demise; Elizabeth Olsen’s journey to a fully-realized Scarlet Witch should be acknowledged; the complexities in the Spider-Man series should be clarified; the true conclusion of the previous X-Men movie universe before the MCU reboot should be addressed; and the original Avengers should struggle with their decision to reunite, with perhaps a hint that even Tony Stark’s ego mirrors Doom’s hubris (but possibly hinting that it might also represent RDJ himself).

Anyone appearing in “Secret Wars” (regardless of their role) signifies something more than just a surprise appearance – it symbolizes the significant impact that character has had on the broader Marvel Universe (MCU and beyond), providing entertainment and inspiration for fans for generations. This extends not only to the movies but also to the comics and creators who originally conceived these characters and stories.

There’s Only One Way to Top That Avengers: Endgame Payoff

Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars Need to Redeem the MCU’s Biggest Multiverse Mistake

In much the same way that Doctor Strange foretold it in Avengers: Infinity War, the only way for Avengers: Secret Wars to outshine Endgame is by delivering a climactic moment where every Marvel franchise unites, each one a cherished part of a legacy. When the time comes for all corners of the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse to gather and prepare for an epic battle – perhaps their last stand against an imminent threat – fans will find themselves cheering for each franchise, feeling every loss as the creative minds behind Endgame, including directors Joe and Anthony Russo and writer Stephen McFeely, craft a story that narrows down the surviving characters and/or universes to determine which elements will be woven back into a revitalized Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Regardless of the outcome, whether it’s victory or defeat, life or death, ‘Secret Wars’ should instill in Marvel enthusiasts an enduring and profound feeling of nostalgia for Marvel cinematic universe memories, along with anticipation for the fresh direction of the MCU in the future. Achieving this dual effect would surpass the accomplishments of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and allow Marvel Studios to clear the slate, ultimately solidifying the MCU as the preeminent brand for all Marvel television and movie content.

The movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday” is set to be released on May 1st, 2026. Meanwhile, you’ll find “Avengers: Secret Wars” hitting theaters on May 7th, 2027.

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2024-12-11 03:10